Thu May 29 16:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the text provided:

**Summary:**

The Washington Capitals mistakenly sent an email to season ticket holders suggesting that the 2025-26 season would be Alex Ovechkin’s last in the NHL. While Ovechkin has one year left on his contract and has expressed uncertainty about his future beyond that, the team claims no official decision has been made regarding his retirement. The email was attributed to a mistake by a corporate sales department employee. Ovechkin, at 39, is nearing the end of a remarkable career, having broken Wayne Gretzky’s goal-scoring record and approaching 900 career goals.

**News Article:**

**Capitals Walk Back Email Claiming 2025-26 Will Be Ovechkin’s Final Season**

*By Josh Erickson*
*May 29, 2025, 11:44 AM CDT*

**Washington D.C.** – The Washington Capitals are scrambling to clarify after an email sent to season ticket holders suggested that the 2025-26 season would be Alex Ovechkin’s last in the NHL.

The email, initially reported by Tony Wolak of The Hockey Writers, caused a stir among fans and media alike, prompting questions about the future of the Capitals’ legendary captain.

However, the team quickly walked back the implication, issuing a statement to Sammi Silber of The Hockey News indicating that no official decision has been made regarding Ovechkin’s future. The team later clarified to DC Backcheck that no email was sent at all stating next year was Ovechkin’s final year. “An email was sent from an individual with the corporate sales department that mistakenly alluded to next year being Alex Ovechkin’s final year,” the team stated.

Ovechkin, 39, is entering the final year of his five-year, $47.5 million contract signed in 2021. Earlier this month, he told reporters that he intended to honor the final year of his contract but remained unsure about his plans beyond that, leaving the door open to potential extension talks but making no commitments.

With 897 career goals, Ovechkin recently surpassed Wayne Gretzky’s all-time goal-scoring record, solidifying his place as one of hockey’s all-time greats. While he has achieved nearly everything possible in his career, the suggestion of an imminent retirement has sparked debate about his legacy and the future of the Capitals franchise.

Stay tuned to this article for updates.

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